South Seas Lifestyle possible in Eastside? (Seattle, Bellevue: to rent, condo, home builders)

[SouthSeasLifestyler]

Hello all!

We are thinking of moving to your lovely state and country from downunder. Pretty exciting and all, but so much to learn! Mostly wondering if we can replicate the good things about where we live now. Now, I know the weather isn't possible, but we are talking possibilities here!

Okay, first a little context, we will probably be either in Redmond or Bellevue for husband's job (with MS). We have 2 kids on the young end. My big question as the one who will have to stay at home a lot is: WHERE TO LIVE?

Priorities:
- Commute: as little commute as possible (we think spending time in traffic is a waste of one's life)
- Schooling: I notice in your state kids don't have to go to school till they are 8 right? So, is that 3rd grade? Is that what kids go to when they are 8? My ideal school would be one with a Chinese immersion programme. Again, I would LOVE not to have to drive far for school.
- Homeschooling communities: Well, until we get to school, got to socialise the kids somewhat. I realise may have to travel for that. Is homeschooling very religious out there? Here it more about the free and easy lifestyle, and I'd like to keep it that way.
- Space: I'd like space for the kids to run around safely in wilderness (is there such a thing? will they be eaten by bears?) I guess may have to travel for that, too. Does anybody swim in the sea there? My kid does here all the time, we have gazillion beaches.
- Food: Do you guys have good fresh fruit and vegetable stores? We prefer to cook at home. What great produce are you famed for?
- House: I'm getting all confused ... people here love houses built in the 70s over new houses, but I'm getting the vibe people in the US hate them or look down on them - why is there something wrong with them? (I don't care what people think about my house, which is often a mess anyway, I just don't want the roof falling on my head)
- Nature and gardening: Husband's passion (after tech)

I'm sure I'll have more questions, but this is a start. Thanks in anticipation.

SSLifestyler

[mkarch]

As for the 1970's houses, they are not in high demand currently. Part of this is probably because they're predominantly 'split levels' which nobody seems to want now. However, you can find some great deals on houses other people overlook. There are actually some pretty cool "Northwest Contemporary" style homes in parts of the Eastside. New home builders are putting up mostly traditional or craftsman style homes in those suburbs - whereas in Seattle those same homes are out of style, and most of the new construction is modern.

Gardening here is pretty good due to the mild weather and abundant rain. You may want to look for a house with a sun room though, as it can stay cool well into June.

[Kayela]

- Commute: as little commute as possible (we think spending time in traffic is a waste of one's life)

Then you'll probably want to live in Redmond, Bellevue or Kirkland, however I'll note that I've also lived in Cap Hill and DT Seattle and could commute from either of those places faster than many eastside areas. Proximity to freeways and major streets is a major factor in that, so are the hours your husband works. Personally, I'd stay north of I-90, East of I-5 and south of 522.

- Schooling: I notice in your state kids don't have to go to school till they are 8 right? So, is that 3rd grade? Is that what kids go to when they are 8? My ideal schoo would be one with a Chinese immersion programme. Again, I would LOVE not to have to drive far for school.

I have no idea where you heard that, but typically children start kindergarten at 5. Most of them seem to have been in some sort of pre-schooling or prep since age 3. Any of the eastside neighborhoods I mentioned have good schools. Someone else would have to chime in on immersion programs.

- Space: I'd like space for the kids to run around safely in wilderness (is there such a thing? will they be eaten by bears?) I guess may have to travel for that, too. Does anybody swim in the sea there? My kid does here all the time, we have gazillion beaches.

The actual ocean is a bit of a trek. The prevailing current brings the water down from the artic, and thus the ocean temp is frigid. There are some beaches locally, and we do have quite a few lakes, but it doesn't generally get warm enough for that til July. Not that we're not into boating and being on the water, it's just that it's rather chilly to go swimming in. Think Scotland or northern europe.

The houses with larger lots will be on the eastside. You might look at Issaquah in addition to the ones I mentioned. The lots aren't as large there, but in the right spots, many houses border Cougar or Tiger Mtns. There are 3 peaks that make up the 'Issaquah Alps' - Couger, Tiger and Squak and they are practically in city limits. There are a number of properties in Issaquah (south of DT) that border them and have direct access. Otherwise the mountains are quickly accessible from most of Seattle. One of the best things about this area is that Seattle is relatively dense and the mountains are pretty close. You can leave from DT Seattle and be at a trailhead in 20-25 minutes. You can up near the nearest mountain pass in less than an hour. There are bears, they generally avoid people, but it's good to read up on what to do if you meet one because it's definitely possible. We have mountain lions too, which are much more scarce, but also, still possible. If you end up living close to the mountains, you'll want to read up on how to keep your pets protected and your garbage secure.

- Food: Do you guys have good fresh fruit and vegetable stores? We prefer to cook at home. What great produce are you famed for?

Most grocery stores have good produce. WA is a very agricultural state, and we're right up the road from CA which is also a huge producer of fresh produce. Most areas have a local farmer's market from ~april to october. Pike Place market in DT Seattle is open year-round. There are also specialty markets like Whole Foods, PCC or Trader Joe's. If we have one particular area of speciality, I'd have to say - I've never been able to get berries anywhere else like they grow here. Our apples are pretty renowned too, but really there are many things that grow well here.

- House: I'm getting all confused ... people here love houses built in the 70s over new houses, but I'm getting the vibe people in the US hate them or look down on them - why is there something wrong with them? (I don't care what people think about my house, which is often a mess anyway, I just don't want the roof falling on my head)

The 70's houses seem to be pretty darn expensive here in addition to everything else, so I hadn't really noticed. They still sell so obviously people are buying them.

- Nature and gardening: Husband's passion (after tech)

Gardening is like a second job here. You don't really need to encourage things to grow, you just need a flamethrower to keep them back. Be really careful about planting anything 'fast-spreading'. In this area that usually equates to 'invasive' and really hard to get rid of. Just have patience that first year or two and everything will fill in (and then some). When it comes to getting things to grow, and variety of plants that thrive in this zone - this is a great area for gardening.

Just a note - while the temps are going to be pretty different, people here are pretty much 'live and let live'. Not sure that you can totally re-create the south seas vibe, but we do have our own NW hippie vibe that is pretty laid back too.

[Inkpoe]

Originally Posted by SouthSeasLifestyler

- Schooling: I notice in your state kids don't have to go to school till they are 8 right? So, is that 3rd grade? Is that what kids go to when they are 8? My ideal school would be one with a Chinese immersion programme. Again, I would LOVE not to have to drive far for school.
- Homeschooling communities: Well, until we get to school, got to socialise the kids somewhat. I realise may have to travel for that. Is homeschooling very religious out there? Here it more about the free and easy lifestyle, and I'd like to keep it that way.

In regards to the 8 year old thing, that's the compulsory law (RCW 28A.225.010: Attendance mandatory ). Our public schooling for kids actually starts normally from when they're 4, 5 years old (preK, Kindergarten). As for the Chinese immersion, there's a couple out. Bellevue has a couple Chinese school immersion programs (a private school off of Bel-Red road and public elementary school option). The more well-known ones are in Seattle Public School district.

Seattle/WA is extremely homeschooler friendly and we have all kinds available: from religion, to unschooling to having part-time program/schooling where the kids come in 2 or 3 x a wk. Even our public school districts have a homeschooling department and a setting where the kids can come in once a week. Plenty of opportunities to meet up, take up activities. Some Park and Recreation centers will even provide physical and/or science activities for homeschoolers.

[angelenogirl]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

Seattle/WA is extremely homeschooler friendly and we have all kinds available: from religion, to unschooling to having part-time program/schooling where the kids come in 2 or 3 x a wk.

I've been looking everywhere for a three-day part-time program! Can you recommend something?

[Inkpoe]

Originally Posted by angelenogirl

I've been looking everywhere for a three-day part-time program! Can you recommend something?

The ones that I was researching extensively on are both in the Woodinville area. Chrysalis School and The Attic.

[SouthSeasLifestyler]

Thanks for the thoughtful replies! NW suddenly feels so much friendlier!

The NW vibe is feeling real good. Right, diet of berries, trade the sharks for bears, and get some overlooked house either in Bellevue (for the school and lack of commute) or Issaquah (for the mountains). Y'know, the mountains just might win out ... I'd like to experience what makes your place special, although it will all probably be a culture shock anyway. But I've lived in big Asian cities and rainforests, so I would really like to be able to try something unique about your state. So if anyone has weird ideas, do voice them. I considered building a cobhouse (NW is famous for them) but I don't think my husband would stand for it.

But, practicalities (sigh) - which is cheaper, Bellevue or Issaquah? (or perhaps the right thing to say is less expensive) Do you get a range of type of homes in the area? What's the commute like from Issaquah? Are there buses or something as well? Trains?

The homeschooling info also made me feel quite happy. I love that there is part-time school (sort of). Here it is all or nothing. I mean, I have nothing against schools they seem to work most of the time, though I pity kids who have a pressure cooker environment (what a waste of childhood), but I'd love to keep my kids with me as long as possible, and their needs grow with time. A day of school here or there will mean they are not in shock when then finally go to school proper.

Where should I look to find info about homeschooling in Bellevue or Issaquah? I got to some homeschoolers organization page, which was great with the general info, but lacking in the detail (classes! co-ops! playgroups! excursions!) I want the kids to have a positive experience too.

Oh yes, that reminds me, is soccer played there year round?

SSLifestyler

[angelenogirl]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

The ones that I was researching extensively on are both in the Woodinville area. Chrysalis School and The Attic.

Thanks. I saw The Attic, but not Chrysalis. There are many charters of this type in California, so maybe one will open up here eventually.

[Blondebaerde]

Some of your questions:

One of my best pals is from Down Undah. He's out in a McMansion, Issaquah highlands area, which is pretty nice actually (the homes, and the area, and the modest commute to MSFT). He rents, at-current (suggestion: rent first for a year or two, if you can tolerate two moves (one to rent, second to buy later)).

- Commute: as little commute as possible (we think spending time in traffic is a waste of one's life)

Then stay close to MS. Eastside (Bellevue-Kirkland-Redmond), Issaquah, and similar. Took me awhile to figure that out; 11 years to be exact. You'll spend more on housing, but in my biased opinion (I live there) it's worth it. YMMV.

- Space: I'd like space for the kids to run around safely in wilderness (is there such a thing? will they be eaten by bears?) I guess may have to travel for that, too. Does anybody swim in the sea there? My kid does here all the time, we have gazillion beaches.

Issaquah highlands, perhaps. My pal has two small kids. In a few years they will be out and about. Not too many natural hazards. Ocean is far away, though: more mountains than water in the Issaquah area. Other areas obviously closer, but the open ocean seems far too cold for much in the way of swimming. Hard core surfers and divers may have a different view. For a few months in the summer, there is great swimming at a few modest beaches in the metro area.

- Food: Do you guys have good fresh fruit and vegetable stores? We prefer to cook at home. What great produce are you famed for?

Coffee, LOL. Apples and fresh fruit are plentiful. Apples and pears seem to be two of the biggest, with fresh berries following up. Green leafy stuff: there is also plenty though I do not know if the area is "known" for it.

- House: I'm getting all confused ... people here love houses built in the 70s over new houses, but I'm getting the vibe people in the US hate them or look down on them - why is there something wrong with them? (I don't care what people think about my house, which is often a mess anyway, I just don't want the roof falling on my head)

They are concerned that newer homes tend to rot down here in Seattle, being of questionable quality after the '70s. Lot of moisture, mold, etc. Not sure this is universal, but happens often enough to raise eyebrows and spark lawsuits.

To do it again I'd have sold out of my condo, complex build in 1997, after maybe 5 years. Instead I waited more than 10 and watched them all start to disintegrate, resulting in lower resale. There is a lot of construction out here that just...doesn't....last as long as one might think it should.

A house I subsequently bought was built in late '70s: structurally sound and fully renovated after a foundation-up inspection determined the bones were solid. Point is to have a good inspection by someone THOROUGH (not a guarantee, merely a hedge).

- Nature and gardening: Husband's passion (after tech)

You've come to the right place for that, at-least.

This place is the polar opposite from a tropical lifestyle: Northern Latitudes, I might call it, minus the snow and freezing cold. More-accurately, as-snipped from Wikipedia: "....Other climate classification systems, such as Trewartha, place it firmly in the Oceanic zone...like much of Western Europe." I personally find Seattle metro climate strikingly like most of Ireland, as a subjective frame of reference.

[Ira500]

Gardening is pretty awesome in the Pacific NW. We don't get that cold, so certain veggies can grow almost year round. I'm now harvesting broccoli and kale that I planted in the fall. A week ago I put spinach, peas, and lettuce in the ground.
It's tough to grow certain things. I try melons every year and mostly fail ( but not this year, he says optimistically.) When I had my good melon year( 1 out of about 10), I had plastic mulch on the ground covering the soil that had been heavily enriched with compost and seaweed and bat guano, and used soaker hoses. What some people don't realize is that in Seattle, it's very dry during July and August, and one has to be out watering in the garden very regularly.
You can't grow things like those late maturing tomato varieties.
As far as houses, style, and natural beauty:
I think it was around the 1970's when the quality of construction materials declined. I'm a huge fan of 1960's Mid Century Modern, which usually have very large windows, tall ceilings, big wooden beams, etc. But the 70's just isn't a decade one equates with quality. Ford Pintos. Disco. Polyester.
One area full of natural beauty that's not too terribly far is the Cougar Mountain area. Some of it has a Bellevue address, some of it has an Issaquah address, and some of it has a Renton address. Great hiking all around there.
Redmond has Marymoor Park, huge, with rock climbing, a bicycle velodrome, soccer, a remote controlled airplane area, and a huge off leash dog area.
And yes, soccer is played here year round. I spent many a Saturday watching my son's soccer games in the rain. The kids didn't seem to notice it, they were busy running around. But we parents in the stands felt it. Cold, rainy, and windy. Bring hot chocolate.
Swimming: Puget Sound is too cold, anytime of the year. Many people swim in lakes. Issaquah has Lake Sammamish. Sammamish has Beaver Lake and Pine Lake, Bellevue and Kirkland have Lake Washington( a huge lake).